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As director of consulting and training for TASC’s Center for Health and Justice, Ben Ekelund manages a broad portfolio of projects that support justice systems in designing and implementing effective responses to substance use and mental health disorders. From webinars to customized trainings to in-depth consulting initiatives, Ben supports local, state, national, and international partners in translating science and knowledge to on-the-ground practice and results.

Prior to joining TASC in 2013, he was a project manager at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he developed resources and training for smaller law enforcement agencies in the areas of leadership, management, and community engagement. Previously, Ben served as an outreach coordinator for Project Safe Neighborhoods in Chicago, coordinating services for people with past justice involvement, with the aim of reducing gun violence and recidivism. He also worked for a community mental health center in Chicago, providing linkage case management for dually diagnosed patients being discharged from state psychiatric facilities.

Ben earned his BS in psychology from Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI) and his MPA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He speaks regularly on the topics of civic engagement, community building, and criminal justice reform.